UPIKE football program announces 66 signees

Times Staff Report

February 7, 2013

PIKEVILLE – The University of Pikeville football team has landed a signing class that features 66 players. UPIKE introduced the incoming student-athletes at a ceremony on campus Wednesday in the Hoops Athletics Facility.

The National Signing Day event saw the Bears unveil 43 high-school signees, 20 mid-year signees and the return of three players who had left the program.

Coach Dudley Hilton, who is entering his third season as head coach of the Bears, was proud of the class and what it represents. “Our staff has not stopped working on this recruiting class and I think it has been proven today,” he said. “We’re very happy with the players we’ve been able to bring in here and those who will be joining us at the University of Pikeville.

“It’s a great day for us.”

Included in the list are six transfers from NCAA Div. I schools. They are: Nu’keese Richardson, a wide receiver from the University of Tennessee; Jatavious Miller, a linebacker from West Virginia University and Hampton University; Morgan Alexander, a running back from North Carolina State and quarterback Dominique Blackmon, linebacker Jeremiah Walters and safety Joshua Walters, all from the University of Idaho.

Coach Allan Holland Jr., associate head coach and offensive coordinator, said the work isn’t over. “We aren’t finished yet,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent out there and we will continue working to fill our needs. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as a staff, but we know there’s more work to do.”

Betsy Layne High School wide receiver/defensive back Josh Salisbury was among the signees for the Pikeville football team.

The entire recruiting class is listed below, broken down into the three categories. A breakdown of the class follows.